Survival Masterclass
Reference material, not a substitute for a real wilderness first aid course. Take one before a remote expedition.
Altitude illness
Above 3000m, limit net ascent to roughly 300–500m of sleeping-altitude gain per day, with a rest day every 3–4 days. Acute Mountain Sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue) means stop ascending; High-Altitude Pulmonary/Cerebral Edema (breathlessness at rest, confusion, ataxia) means descend immediately — these are medical emergencies.
Hypothermia staging
Mild (shivering, core ~35–32°C): warm shelter, dry insulation, warm sweet drinks. Moderate (shivering stops, confusion, core ~32–28°C): gentle rewarming, avoid rough handling. Severe (core below 28°C): treat as a critical emergency — handle extremely gently, evacuate.
Water purification
A rolling boil for 1 minute is sufficient at any altitude below roughly 2000m; above 2000m, boil for 3 minutes to compensate for the lower boiling point. A 0.1-micron hollow-fibre filter removes bacteria and protozoa but not all viruses — combine with chemical treatment in areas with a real viral-contamination risk.
Magnetic declination
"East is least, West is best": with an east declination, subtract it from your true bearing to get magnetic; with a west declination, add it. Check the current declination for your specific route — it shifts over years and varies by region.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash including food scraps and toilet paper. Camp on durable surfaces (established sites, rock, gravel) at least 60m from water sources. Bury human waste 15–20cm deep, 60m from water and campsites, or pack it out where required.
Before you go
Register your itinerary with someone who isn't on the trip. Carry a registered two-way satellite messenger on any remote route. Check the real, current avalanche/weather forecast for your specific destination the day before departure — not a description on a travel site.